Great value Edge LED TV with networking and generous connectivity

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The beauty of LG's smart TV platform is that it isn't a separate collection of apps, but encompasses the entire TV. The dashboard is split into three, with a live TV thumbnail next to a grid of Premium apps and apps from LG's SmartWorld online store.

Premium apps are about average in terms of content, comprising Lovefilm, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Acetrax, Blinkbox, BBC Sport, YouTube and the Rovi-powered KNOWHOW Movies. That's quite some choice if you want to stream a movie.

Behind these top-line links are apps for Twitter, Skype and Facebook, as well as lesser-needed apps such as Dailymotion, vTuner, Viewster and Museums PureStreams HD (updates on the latest exhibitions).

LG is promising new apps for 2013, including EuroSport Player, Napster and Deezer.

Meanwhile, the front dashboard also hosts an LG Smart World panel, which showcases some other downloadable clutter by including invites to download the likes of Absolute Radio, Yupp TV and the amusing Wee Wee Kitty game (wee on flowers, kill them, win).

SmartShare, a panel just off-screen of the home dashboard that can easily be scrolled to, enables you to view digital content on a networked PC or USB flash drive (or phone) by content (video, music, photo or recorded TV).

It adds a Recently Watched grid of nine live video icons, a similarly comprehensive Newly Added panel, as well as the choice to enter each device - say, a specific USB stick - from a Linked Device window. It's nothing short of brilliant.

In terms of picture tech, the LG 42LS570T isn't the most advanced around - we wouldn't expect that for £499.99 (around AU$775/US$815) - but it offers more than most of its price rivals.

With Full HD and using Edge LED backlighting, its Triple XD Engine suite of circuitry comprises a resolution upscaler on two strengths, and a 200Hz backlight scanning mode.

As well as dedicated Game and Cinema modes, the LG 42LS570T hints at its ambitious spec with two presets - ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) Expert1 and ISF Expert2.

There's also an Intelligent Sensor setting that measures the ambient light levels and adjusts the contrast levels and intensity of the LCD backlighting, though such modes rarely impress us.

Of more interest is TruMotion, which ought to give a leg-up to Blu-rays in any LCD-based TV's battle against blur and judder.

The LG 42LS570T's Freeview HD tuner is nicely presented, with two hours' of TV scheduling provided for seven channels on one page, and it includes the chance to make recordings to a hard disk, too.

Ins and outs are another of the LG 42LS570T's strong hands.

The rear connections panel's video inputs comprise a wired Ethernet LAN port, a 15-pin D-sub PC input, RF aerial input (to power Freeview HD), and a set of component, composite and RGB Scart video inputs (via adaptors, which also include two phonos).

Audio gubbins number a single jack for PC audio, a headphones slot and a digital optical audio output.

A jack pack on the side of the TV adds four HDMI inputs (handy in terms of number, though sturdy or fabric-covered quality HDMI cables will jut out the side quite considerably), three easily accessible USB inputs (rare at this price), and a Common Interface slot.